Kids win governor as school lobbyist

Cuomo continues his attacks on slow-moving education establishment

Published 9:55 pm, Wednesday, January 4, 2012

ALBANY — Arguing that New York is "driven by the business of education more than achievement in education," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said education would be a "priority mission" for his administration in 2012.

Cuomo used his State of the State speech to resume his criticism of the educational establishment. As a series of slides appeared on the screen behind him, Cuomo noted that virtually everyone involved in public education — from teachers and school boards to bus drivers — have lobbyists to advocate for their interests.

"The only group without lobbyists are the students. ... This year, the students do have a lobbyist: I'm taking a second job," he said, as the image changed to his office with a "students' lobbyist" sign on the door.

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Cuomo started by blasting the failure of some districts to put a teacher evaluation system in place. He called the federal Race to the Top grant program a failure in New York because key provisions have not been fully implemented after two years.

He announced mandate relief plans to ease pension costs, which many districts see as essential to their survival due to the state's newly imposed 2 percent tax cap. Cuomo said pension costs had increased 100 percent since 2009, and proposed a less-generous Tier 6 pension package for employees hired in the future.

Cuomo also announced the formation of a bipartisan education reform commission that will work with the Legislature to recommend reforms in teacher accountability, student achievement and management efficiency.

Richard Iannuzzi, president of New York State United Teachers, responded to the speech by saying teachers have long been lobbyists for children. He said the law establishing an effective teacher evaluation law is already in place. Iannuzzi said the development of an accurate measure of student growth is the primary challenge stalling its implementation, and welcomed the governor's work toward that goal.

In higher education, Cuomo announced an expansion of the NYSUNY2020 grant program. The other 60 campuses in the State University of New York system will now be able to compete for three $20 million challenge grants designed to spur economic development and academic expansion in their communities.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said campuses would collaborate on the program, rather than apply individually. She said Cuomo clearly showed that higher education is important for the state's economic recovery.

"He sees a continued investment in SUNY as a good investment for the state," Zimpher said.